The peak travel seasons of July and August each year are bustling times for tourism. How can you make your summer vacation extraordinary year after year? Whether traveling with family or rewarding yourself mid-year, this selection of Marriott Hotel recommendations goes beyond hot travel topics to unveil hidden gems within popular landmarks.
This summer, domestic hot cities and neighboring countries continue to be favored by travelers. Well-known popular attractions, classic routes familiar to many, and in-demand internet-famous foods... have become essential parts of travel for more and more tourists. But for Marriott Hotels’ target consumer group—the Inventive Class—travel helps broaden their minds and spark new ways of thinking. Even when visiting widely known landmarks, they are keen to explore new routes and create opportunities for fresh inspiration during their journeys.
Azure seas and blue skies, enjoy a relaxing beach holiday
In Hainan, discover a hidden earthly paradise
There is a bay in Hainan that even locals may not know about — Xiangshui Bay. Located at the northernmost tip of picturesque Lingshui County along the southeastern coast of Hainan Island, it stretches approximately 7 kilometers, most of which features silvery white, pristine beaches. This off-the-beaten-path island paradise is an emerging resort destination, named after the spring water from Xiangshui Ridge that flows into the bay. When you step onto this beach, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a fairyland.
Scenic view of Xiangshui Bay’s silvery white beach
Travel itinerary recommendations:
Enjoy nature at Nanwan Monkey Island: Just a 20-minute drive from Xiangshui Bay, Nanwan Monkey Island is surrounded by sea on three sides and is China’s—and the world’s—only island-based macaque nature reserve. The island is home to the nationally protected second-class wildlife, the macaques of the South China Sea. It boasts quaint fishing harbor charm, and visitors take China’s longest cross-sea cable car to the island, experiencing authentic island life.
Surf to your heart’s content at Riyue Bay: Not far from Xiangshui Bay lies Riyue Bay, known as a “paradise for water sports enthusiasts.” With crystal-clear blue waters and soft, white sandy beaches, it is a natural seawater bathing spot. The shallow shoreline and waters feature jagged rocks, creating spectacular scenery. Stroll along the long coastline, tread on the soft white sand, watch the waves crash into the bay, and gaze at the endless seascape — all offering a uniquely leisurely pleasure.
Nanwan Monkey Island Nature Scenic Area (Image from the internet)
Hotel recommendation: Xiangshui Bay R&F Marriott Resort
The classic design of Xiangshui Bay R&F Marriott Resort makes you feel as though you’re in a modern-style coastal paradise, inspired by the unforgettable natural beauty of Xiangshui Bay. Nestled beside a one-kilometer stretch of soft, pristine white beach, guests can not only admire breathtaking island views but also enjoy the tranquility of this resort destination.
Xiangshui Bay R&F Marriott Resort – Hotel Lobby
The resort currently offers 448 spacious and comfortable guest rooms and suites, each with a private balcony overlooking the vastness of the South China Sea. Seven bright, full-sea-view suites spanning 270 square meters feature complete guest facilities including living rooms, dining rooms, master bedrooms, and bathrooms equipped with bathtubs and rainforest showerheads.
Xiangshui Bay R&F Marriott Resort is also a culinary destination, housing five creatively inspired restaurants and bars where guests can embark on a delicious journey. These include the signature Chinese restaurant, Renaissance Chinese Restaurant, the vibrant all-day-dining Food Island, the modern-style seafood barbecue restaurant Fish Bar, Dayu Bar, and the unique rooftop bar Ruby Bar. Whether you’re enjoying a peaceful poolside moment or savoring a glass of red wine at nightfall, you’ll find complete relaxation.
Xiangshui Bay R&F Marriott Resort – Fish Bar Outdoor Area
Summer food special events:
From July 1 to August 31, the resort’s Food Island All-Day Dining Restaurant offers a summer afternoon family set menu, providing thoughtful and abundant holiday meals for guests. From 11:30 am to 10:00 pm daily, a variety of family-style salads, Western mains, and Hainanese chicken rice unique to Hainan are served continuously, alongside soft and delightful desserts like coconut jelly, banana caramel pudding, and chocolate brownies, satisfying guests from taste buds to the heart.
Xiangshui Bay R&F Marriott Resort – North Building Food Island Western Restaurant
Enjoy a private beautiful bay at Jinshawan
Many people may have visited Shenzhen, but might not know about this pure and hidden paradise along Shenzhen’s coastline — Jinshawan. Located in Dapeng New District, the cultural birthplace of Shenzhen — the financial hub of South China — Jinshawan is one of China’s eight most enchanting bays. Under the glow of the setting sun, the beach glimmers like gold, hence the name Jinshawan, or Golden Sand Bay.
Jinshawan Beach Resort Area
Travel itinerary recommendations:
Experience the roots of Shenzhen culture at Dapeng Fortress: Dapeng Fortress is located in Pengcheng Village, Dapeng Town. Built in 1394 AD by Zhang Bin, a commander of the Guangzhou Left Guard, it was established during the Ming Dynasty to combat Japanese pirates, known as the “Dapeng Garrison Fortress.” Also referred to simply as Dapeng Fortress, it is currently the only national-level key cultural relics protection unit in Shenzhen.
Embrace the vast blue seas at Jinshawan: The Jinshawan Beach Resort Area is the best in water quality, scenery, and variety of sports activities among Shenzhen’s eastern coastal resort destinations. It has been rated by “China National Geography” as one of “China’s Eight Most Enchanting Coasts.”
Hotel recommendation: Shenzhen Kaisa Marriott Hotel
The Shenzhen Kaisa Marriott Hotel boasts a prime location within the Jinshawan Beach Resort Area, making it a top choice for leisure vacations and business travelers. Overlooking the beauty of Jinshawan and just a 30-minute drive from Hong Kong, the hotel embodies a low-profile luxury style. Its design draws inspiration from the intangible cultural heritage of Dapeng Ancient City, evoking a serene and hidden charm that refreshes the senses.
All 325 exquisitely designed guest rooms offer stunning sea and sky views. Spacious and comfortable balconies allow guests to enjoy the sea breeze and waves, and at night, they can gaze at stars and the moon while falling asleep to the sound of the waves. The hotel is dedicated to providing 24/7 high-standard personalized service, committed to creating an exceptional stay experience for every guest.
Shenzhen Marriott Hotel OCT Bay Lobby Lounge
Shenzhen Marriott Hotel OCT Bay Deluxe King Room with Ocean View
The "Great Room" lobby bar is Marriott's new interpretation of the traditional hotel lobby lounge, located on the first floor. A space qualified as a "lobby bar" features a flexible and versatile layout that breaks away from conventional designs. Here, guests can enjoy a variety of coffees and soft drinks, and as night falls, they can savor signature cocktails and light bites without leaving the hotel. It serves both business and leisure purposes.
The design of the "Great Room" at Shenzhen Marriott Hotel OCT Bay draws inspiration from an oasis, offering guests a retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The lounge boasts spacious and comfortable seating where guests can relax by the railing, listen to the sounds of the nearby sea, and enjoy the view. Featuring local Kung Fu tea as a highlight, it also offers tea-based cocktails and exquisite tea snacks. The Marriott "Great Room" creates a refined space and a relaxing experience, allowing guests to maintain balance, efficiency, and comfort whether they are working or spending time with family.
Explore Attractions and Enjoy Scenic Views
Discover the Historical Charm of Xiamen
Step away from the bustling streets of Xiamen Island to the tranquil Tong’an Bay Huandong Sea Area across the water. Bathed in mild weather year-round, this is your own private slice of serenity. Xiamen’s Huandong Sea Area is rich in cultural folklore and historical charm. Here, you can enjoy folk music, puppet shows, and Gezaixi opera, or immerse yourself in the nearly 5-kilometer stretch of pristine sandy beach along the western coast, the 60-kilometer expanse of uninterrupted shoreline, and the vast 50,000-square-meter mangrove wetland park.
Recommended Itinerary:
Relive History at Memorial Halls: The Tan Kah Kee Memorial Hall and the adjacent Kah Kee Cultural Square are located on the reclaimed land east of the north gate of Kah Kee Park. The museum houses the "treasure of the museum"—the handwritten manuscript of Tan Kah Kee’s memoirs, "The Memoirs of a Nanyang Pioneer," along with his life-sized statue. The statue depicts Mr. Tan smiling with a cane in hand, set against a backdrop of blue skies and crashing waves, allowing visitors to feel the cultural charm of history.
Experience Folk Culture at Old Xiamen Village: The Old Xiamen Village Folk Culture Park features a large indoor landscape scene that showcases the daily life of fishermen in southern Fujian. It narrates the lives of generations who ventured to Nanyang (Southeast Asia) and presents the local fishing village culture, folk culture, Mazu culture, Nanyang culture, and ancestral heritage culture from multiple perspectives. Step into the old fishing village and trace the threads of Minnan’s distinctive folk culture.
Old Xiamen Village Folk Culture Park (Image from the internet)
Hotel Recommendation: Xiamen Marriott Hotel & Conference Centre
Xiamen Marriott Hotel & Conference Centre is situated on the western coast of Tong’an Bay Huandong Sea Area, offering romantic views of the bay and the famous Jimei Bridge. The nearby stunning coastline provides vacationers with a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Xiamen Marriott Hotel & Conference Centre Hotel Exterior
Xiamen Marriott Hotel & Conference Centre Detached Villas
Xiamen Marriott Hotel & Conference Centre has a total of 304 rooms, including 15 suites and 13 villas. All rooms are equipped with balconies offering scenic views, with the majority providing views of the beautiful Huandong Sea. Additionally, the detached villas come with spacious outdoor gardens, lawns, and private swimming pools. The hotel was designed by the renowned Hong Kong-based design firm PLD Design Consultant Ltd., blending Marriott’s modern aesthetic with elements of local culture such as Fujian’s rich tea culture, Xiamen’s egrets, and the abundant marine elements of Huandong Bay.
The hotel houses six restaurants and bars serving a variety of local and international cuisines. Each venue embodies Marriott’s attentive service philosophy and offers a vibrant dining experience. These include the signature Chinese restaurant Man Ho, Goji Kitchen + Bar, the Japanese Shinju Restaurant, Fish Bar, Sweet Shop bakery, and the Lobby Lounge. Staying at Xiamen Marriott Hotel & Conference Centre allows guests to not only enjoy the refreshing sea breeze but also indulge in a feast for the taste buds.
Embrace a Low-Carbon Lifestyle in Jizhou
Located at the heart of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, Jizhou boasts a long history and rich cultural heritage with numerous ancient pagodas, temples, stone tablets, and tombs. It also features stunning natural scenery, serene and picturesque landscapes, making it truly the “back garden” of Tianjin.
Jizhou – Tianjin’s “Back Garden” (All images from the internet)
Recommended Itinerary:
Visit the “First Mountain East of Beijing”: Panshan Mountain is located in Jizhou District, northern Tianjin, China, and is known as the “First Mountain East of Beijing.” Its main peak, Guayue Peak, stands at an elevation of 864.4 meters, rising like a bamboo shoot piercing the sky—majestic, towering, and spectacular. It earned the name Guayue (Hanging Moon) Peak because on autumn nights, when the moon hangs low, it appears to rest atop the peak like a jade disc. From the summit, visitors can watch the sunrise over the East Sea in the morning and the lights of the capital city at night. Below the peak lies Yunzhao Temple, built during the Tang Dynasty by Daoist Master Daozong, named for being shrouded in clouds and mist due to its location near the mountaintop.
Relax at Changm:Yuan Hot Springs: Changm:Yuan Medical Stone Hot Springs is an international therapeutic hot spring rich in medical stone and metasilicic acid. Tested by authoritative domestic institutions, the spring water, filtered through medical stone strata, boasts excellent water quality indicators, and its wealth of trace elements enhances its notable therapeutic effects.
Jingji Shengguang Marriott Hotel Changm:Yuan Hot Springs
Hotel Recommendation: Jingji Shengguang Marriott Hotel
Jingji Shengguang Marriott Hotel is adjacent to the pristine wetlands of Jizhou, Tianjin, with Panshan Mountain to the north and Cuiping Lake in the distance, surrounded by lush greenery. The hotel combines international-grade facilities with sustainable green architecture, making it one of the earliest eco-friendly resort hotels in Jizhou. It is equipped with a carbon emission labeling system, allowing guests to easily track their “carbon footprint.”
Jingji Shengguang Marriott Hotel Lobby
Jingji Shengguang Marriott Hotel Goji Kitchen + Bar
The hotel’s signature Changm:Yuan Hot Springs SPA features medical stone springs, complemented by professional Southeast Asian massage therapy, soothing soaking pools to relieve tension, and medical stone treatments to purify the body and nourish the spirit.
Escape the Hustle and Encounter Vibrant Neon Lights
Experience the northern scenery at the foot of Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji stands in western Tokyo and is one of the world’s largest active volcanoes as well as a symbol of Japan. The snow-capped peak of Japan’s highest mountain is as captivating as a postcard landscape. It is a romantic destination for leisure vacations and honeymoon trips.
Recommended Itinerary:
Climb Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji: An iconic symbol of Japan, it is referred to by the UNESCO World Heritage List as “Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration.” It is the tallest mountain in Japan, with an elevation of 3,776 meters.
Savor the beloved Hōtō noodles: A local specialty from Yamanashi Prefecture made with wheat flat noodles, vegetables, and miso soup — a must-try for noodle lovers and first-timers alike.
Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji (left), Local specialty Hōtō noodles (right) (Images sourced from the internet)
Hotel Recommendation: Fujisan Marriott Hotel Lake Yamanaka
Located by Lake Yamanaka — the largest of the five lakes at the foot of Mount Fuji — the Fujisan Marriott Hotel Lake Yamanaka offers breathtaking views of the mountain. It is also an ideal base for visitors wishing to explore temples and shrines or enjoy nature.
Fujisan Marriott Hotel Lake Yamanaka - Guest Room
Fujisan Marriott Hotel Lake Yamanaka - Outdoor Hot Spring Pool
The hotel has 105 rooms, featuring either traditional Japanese or simple Western styles. Options include luxurious rooms with private hot springs, as well as spacious and tranquil executive suites. The hotel restaurant serves delicious local cuisine and features a private dining room that accommodates up to 40 guests for intimate gatherings. There are also two meeting rooms, a public hot spring, a tennis court, and other recreational facilities, making it a great choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Enjoy a Cool Summer Retreat in Karuizawa
Karuizawa is a famous summer retreat in Japan. Located on the foothills of Mount Asama in the southeastern part of Nagano Prefecture, the town is surrounded by lush larch and birch trees, offering a pleasant natural environment. Since the late 19th century, it has developed into one of Japan’s most representative summer resorts. In the sweltering summer heat, Karuizawa is a cool oasis.
Recommended Itinerary:
Discover postwar art at the Karuizawa New Art Museum: This museum with a glass exterior houses a large collection of postwar artworks, including creative pieces from the Gutai Art Association.
Experience the legacy of Japanese sake brewing at Okazaki Sake Brewery: The traditional sake, made with great emphasis on handcrafted methods, is beloved by locals. This brewery pours heart and soul into every drop. Here, you can learn about the traditional techniques of Japanese sake production.
Karuizawa New Art Museum (left), Legendary Sake Brewery Okazaki Sake Brewery (right) (Images sourced from the internet)
Hotel Recommendation: Karuizawa Marriott Town
Nestled in the picturesque Nagano Prefecture and surrounded by modern museums, the Karuizawa Marriott Town is just a 70-minute drive from Tokyo. The hotel features 142 rooms that blend modern design with local Japanese flair, spread across four buildings. Options include family-friendly suites, luxurious rooms with mountain views and private hot springs, and mountain villas suitable for travelers with pets. The Grill & Dining G restaurant offers local specialties, and the hotel has three meeting rooms and banquet halls, making it an ideal venue for corporate meetings and private events.
Karuizawa Marriott Town – Hotel Exterior
Karuizawa Marriott Town – Wooden Lodge King Room (Pet-Friendly)
After a day of exploration, guests can enjoy professional services at the hotel spa or unwind in the soothing Japanese hot springs, immersing themselves in the unique cultural essence of this mountain resort.
Stroll and Admire the Scenery by Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa is Japan’s largest freshwater lake, surrounded by mountains. Like Mount Fuji, it is considered a symbol of Japan. Its “Eight Views of Omi” are comparable to China’s “Eight Views of Xiaoxiang” at Dongting Lake. The elegant natural scenery helps one relax both body and mind effortlessly.
Recommended Itinerary:
Visit the Historic City of Omi-Hachiman: This historic city is known for its scenic lake views and the valuable legacy left by enterprising merchants. Its canal district and old town still evoke memories of its glorious past.
Pray at the Ancient Shirahige Shrine: Located in Lake Biwa, this shrine boasts the region’s oldest large torii gate. Its annual festival in September attracts visitors from Tokyo, Osaka, and other regions.
Omi-Hachiman Historic City (left), Shirahige Shrine (right) (Images sourced from the internet)
Hotel Recommendation: Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel
The Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel is located in Shiga Prefecture in western Japan, adjacent to Kyoto. Rich in culture, it is also a treasure trove of Shinto and Buddhist art in Japan. The hotel has 274 rooms, all offering stunning lake views with magnificent scenery, complemented by pure natural hot springs. It aims to be a popular leisure destination for both international travelers and local guests.
Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel – Japanese-style room with lake view
Lake Biwa Marriott Hotel – Restaurant
Lake Biwa is also renowned for its distinctive cuisine—Omi beef, wild eel, soft-shelled turtle, pickled crucian carp, and many other local delicacies that you can enjoy at the Grill & Dining G grill restaurant. The hotel also features its own large banquet venue, capable of hosting conferences or social events for up to 500 people. Facilities for recreation and wellness include public hot springs, a 24-hour fitness center, a 1,000-square-meter gymnasium, tennis courts, an indoor soccer field, an indoor pool, and a planetarium that can accommodate 166 people.
About Marriott Hotels
With over 500 hotels and resorts in 64 countries and territories worldwide, Marriott Hotels is dedicated to enhancing every aspect of the guest experience and inspiring a new generation of travelers to “Travel Brilliantly.” Through groundbreaking innovations, Marriott Hotels has elevated its image, design, and technology to deliver a work-and-play experience tailored for mobile users and global travelers. The brand also introduces innovative elements such as the “Greatroom Lobby” and “Mobile Guest Services.” As a proud member of the industry-renowned Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program (which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards), members can link their accounts with SPG and enjoy elite status matching and unlimited point transfers. For more information, visit www.MarriottHotels.com. To keep up with Marriott Hotels brand updates, follow @MarriottHotelsAndResorts on Sina Weibo.